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Learn what’s on kids’ minds in the recaps below, or visit page 42 of the January 2018 issue to see the kids’ questions and our suggestions. Here is what you need to know now and which questions to ask your child.

A child looks up to his brainy older siblings. He worries he’ll never be as smart.

We explained to our reader that all kids have their own strengths and weaknesses. We suggested that he focus on what makes him special rather than compare himself to his siblings (or anyone else!).

Q’s for your kids:

What are your greatest strengths?

What kinds of things are hard for you?

Do you ever compare yourself to others? To whom and for what reason?

Can you name three things that make you special?

What’s the one skill or ability would you most like to have?

A Tennessee reader’s friends are in a fight, and they want her to choose a side.

We encouraged our reader to resist taking sides in others’ arguments. Better moves: play with each friend or group of friends separately, offer to help resolve differences, or focus on other friends for now.

Q’s for your kids:

Do your friends ever argue?

What do they argue about?

What’s the best way for you and your friends to resolve differences?

What would you do next if that solution didn’t work?

Have you ever argued with a friend and later wished you hadn’t?

What did you argue about?

How did you resolve the conflict?

Shayna asks for tips to avoid being grouchy when she feels frustrated.

We reminded Shayna that some things just aren’t worth getting grumpy over or stressing about. We also said that music, exercise, books, deep breaths, and fresh air may help her improve her mood.

Q’s for your kids:

Which activities, school assignments, or situations at home have made you feel frustrated or grumpy?

What happened?

How did you react? What did you do or say?

What helps you feel calm or less grumpy? Reading? Activity? Fresh air? Listening to music?

What else could you do to take your mind off something that is bothering you?